Hey guys,
I've been lurking on here for a few months, and decided it's finally time to post some details of my mini reef and the process to which it came to life. I first added water on March 13, 2014, so it's just a bit over 4 months old at this point. I'd love any and all feedback on a few issues I'm having, and that's a main reason why I've chosen to make a thread over here, it seems a bit more active than other boards. I'm living in an apartment while I finish up my Bachelor's and decided on a smaller display with a larger sump in hopes of upgrading the display after I move and using the same filtration.
37 gallon AGA Display (30" x 12.5" x 23") Black silicone
29 gallon AGA Sump (30" x 12.5"x 18")
SCA - 301 protein skimmer
Tunze 3155 ATO
BRS carbon reactor
TLF GFO reactor
Evergrow "165W" Full spectrum LED box
MP10w
Eshopps filter sock
150w heater
Controller in the future at some point, for piece of mind on my heater. Now on to some pictures!
Plasti dipped the back of the tank black, and went about swapping the center brace for a centrally mounted light friendly version. Used 3 x nylon bolts and nuts on each side as well as epoxy to solidify the two. Attached the arcylic beaneth the plastic to maintain original shape and dimensions.
Started work on the stand (which is still incomplete to this day). I'm a taller guy, so it's 40" tall and plenty of room for a supply shelf.
Kilz/white 3 coats, siliconed seams
Rocks first, and this may be where my first mistake took place. I purchased the rocks from a local guy that buys broken down set ups. It was dry so I made sure to bleach the rocks with some powerheads for a few days and dechlorinate them. I weighed the options and skipped the muratic acid bath, as I wasn't sure how to do this in my apartment complex without startling some neighbors. I'm now dealing with some organic matter leaching out of the rocks and growing some nasty algae and contributing to my phosphate levels. Next time right?
Sand added, and this picture shows the MP10w and the MP20, which turned out to be way too much flow without them being able to communicate with each other. MP20 was traded for coral later on.
I've been lurking on here for a few months, and decided it's finally time to post some details of my mini reef and the process to which it came to life. I first added water on March 13, 2014, so it's just a bit over 4 months old at this point. I'd love any and all feedback on a few issues I'm having, and that's a main reason why I've chosen to make a thread over here, it seems a bit more active than other boards. I'm living in an apartment while I finish up my Bachelor's and decided on a smaller display with a larger sump in hopes of upgrading the display after I move and using the same filtration.
37 gallon AGA Display (30" x 12.5" x 23") Black silicone
29 gallon AGA Sump (30" x 12.5"x 18")
SCA - 301 protein skimmer
Tunze 3155 ATO
BRS carbon reactor
TLF GFO reactor
Evergrow "165W" Full spectrum LED box
MP10w
Eshopps filter sock
150w heater
Controller in the future at some point, for piece of mind on my heater. Now on to some pictures!
Plasti dipped the back of the tank black, and went about swapping the center brace for a centrally mounted light friendly version. Used 3 x nylon bolts and nuts on each side as well as epoxy to solidify the two. Attached the arcylic beaneth the plastic to maintain original shape and dimensions.
Started work on the stand (which is still incomplete to this day). I'm a taller guy, so it's 40" tall and plenty of room for a supply shelf.
Kilz/white 3 coats, siliconed seams
Rocks first, and this may be where my first mistake took place. I purchased the rocks from a local guy that buys broken down set ups. It was dry so I made sure to bleach the rocks with some powerheads for a few days and dechlorinate them. I weighed the options and skipped the muratic acid bath, as I wasn't sure how to do this in my apartment complex without startling some neighbors. I'm now dealing with some organic matter leaching out of the rocks and growing some nasty algae and contributing to my phosphate levels. Next time right?
Sand added, and this picture shows the MP10w and the MP20, which turned out to be way too much flow without them being able to communicate with each other. MP20 was traded for coral later on.